San Diego Destination Overview

“What a change in weather! It was sleeting when I left St. Louis. Here, on the 23rd of February, palm leaves flutter in warm wind and sun.” These were American aviator Charles Lindbergh’s remarks regarding his trip to San Diego, where he was overseeing his famous aircraft The Spirit of St. Louis being designed and constructed. And, while it isn’t a proven fact, it has been hypothesized that absolutely no one in the history of time has ever complained about the weather in San Diego.

But San Diego isn’t just sunshine, beautiful skies, palm trees and Pacific air. It’s so much more. California’s second-largest city has something to offer everywhere you look, even out the window or off the patio of your San Diego Vacation Rental.

Beaches Upon Beaches

San Diego is known as the pinnacle of beach getaways. With 70 miles of coastline working in tandem with the aforementioned gorgeous weather, visitors have myriad options to fit their unique needs. Whether laying in the sun or serious water sports are your preferred methods of relaxation, San Diego accommodates the entire continuum of everything and anything that can be done on a day at the beach. USA Today recently compiled their list of the Top San Diego Beaches with the famous Mission Beach, Coronado Beach, and La Jolla Beach taking the top three spots.

The San Diego Zoo

Arguably the most famous zoo in the nation, the San Diego Zoo has had adults and children alike traveling in droves to view the behavior and habitats of some of the rarest animals on earth. Housing more than 3,500 rare and endangered animals, as well as more than 700,000 exotic plants, its massive 100-acre space is organized into 10 different bioclimatic zones in full accordance with a mission to keep animals in the closest replication of their natural environments. Needless to say, the San Diego Zoo strikes awe in its visitors who often make mention that they could spend an entire week exploring it.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Named after the unbelievably unique trees it produces and protects (the Torrey Pine is the rarest pine species in the United States and one of the rarest in the world), visiting Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a an absolute must-do when in San Diego. Visitors travel from around the globe to take in the 2,000 acres of unfettered beauty. The eight miles of walking trails and guided tours can keep nature enthusiasts pleasantly occupied, not only with the plant life, but with the fun wildlife that is beyond abundant.

USS Midway Museum

As one of the most unique military museums in the United States, the USS Midway Museum is an actual aircraft carrier! The structure, which was the US Navy’s longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, was converted into a one-of-a-kind museum 12 years after its retirement in 1992. Visitors can explore over 60 locations within the massive vessel, which welcomed more than 200,000 sailors during its tenure and was also the home to the first TOPGUN fighter jet school. Exhibits include the engine room, galley, bridge, sleeping quarters and an impressive 29 restored aircraft units used from World War Two through Operation Desert Storm.

Sea World

What would a trip to San Diego be without Sea World? Just once, it would be great to see a Super Bowl champion exclaim, “I’m going to Sea World!” An experiential park, Sea World is a perfect hybrid of zoological exhibit, theatrical auditorium and theme park. With sea life in abundance at every turn, the demonstrations, shows, events, and education garnered from one trip at Sea World has had visitors returning time and time again. Plus, you’ll get to see the most famous whale since Moby Dick - Shamu.

Sports Galore

Home to both the National Football League’s Chargers and Major League Baseball’s Padres, San Diego is a great place to take in a game. Not only are both teams regularly competitive, and not only are both Qualcomm Stadium and PETCO Park incredibly scenic, but where else can you watch a football game in December in near perfect weather? There’s a reason stadiums in southern California have hosted 10 Super Bowls. If you’re a fan of ponies and thoroughbreds, San Diego’s Del Mar Racetrack is open annually from July until September.

LEGOLAND®

If you’re bringing the youngsters along, LEGOLAND® is a fascinating attraction that will wow parents and kids alike. Located just outside the city of San Diego in Carlsbad, LEGOLAND® is, in a word, enormous - 128-acres of lego attractions. With over 60 rides, a water park, and countless additional attractions like a life-size Star Wars X-Wing Fighter built with over five million LEGO® bricks and weighing in at 45,000 pounds.

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